Upgrading From a 6.6kW to a 10kW Solar System Is It Worth It

1. A 6.6 kilowatt solar system covers most Aussie homes, but with rising energy needs, more people are looking at 10kW systems. This blog will outline the key differences, including cost, power output, savings, and the required roof space. It highlights who should consider upgrading, from busy households to EV owners and small businesses. In the end, you will know whether 6.6kW is enough or if 10kW is the smarter way forward. Solar power has quickly moved from being a future technology to an everyday essential for Australian homes and businesses. Today, the 6.6 kilowatt solar system has become Australia’s most common-sized solar installation. Why? Because it is affordable, it attracts healthy government rebates, and it is generally the sweet spot for average households. But times are changing. Energy use is going up. Picture this: you installed a 6.6-kilowatt solar system three years ago, feeling pretty chuffed about slashing your power bills. But now? Your electricity usage has crept up. Maybe the kids are home more often, you are working from the garage office, or you have just bought that electric vehicle you have been eyeing for months. Suddenly, your once-perfect solar setup feels a bit… well, small. Sound familiar? You are not alone. And with power bills climbing, many Australians are asking a simple question: Should I stick with my 6.6kW system, or upgrade to a 10kW solar system? Well, if your energy needs are growing and you are thinking about the future, the answer is a resounding yes. Let us break down why.

2. What Is a 6.6kW Solar System And Why Is It So Popular in Australia? Chances are, if you have explored solar, you have come across the 6.6-kilowatt solar system. It is reliable, popular, and perfectly suited for the average Australian family. For years, it has hit the sweet spot for balancing cost, energy output, and available government rebates. Why Was It The Magic Number? It often consists of around 16-18 panels and was typically paired with a 5kW inverter, which was the maximum size most network operators would allow for a single-phase connection. This setup lets homeowners add extra panels, so they can make more power without going over the inverter’s limit. Average Power And Savings A well-placed 6.6kW solar system can make about 24 to 28 kWh of power each day, which can cover a big part of the electricity needs for a 3 to 4 person home. Government Rebates With Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), a 6.6kW system is the most cost-effective size because the rebates give you the best value. The Starter System It was, and still is, a great way to start with solar. It offers big savings, fast payback, and a real feeling of energy independence. But as our lives evolve, so do our energy demands. What was once a perfect fit can start to feel a bit tight. What Can You Expect From a 10kW Solar System? Stepping up to a 10kw solar system is like trading in the family sedan for a powerful, long- range SUV. It is a significant leap in capacity, designed for those who need more grunt from their rooftop. Moving up to a 10kW solar system gives you more of everything: energy, savings, and flexibility. Power That Packs a Punch A 10kW solar system typically generates 35 to 45 kWh of electricity daily across Australia, depending on where you are and the season. That is roughly 50% more energy than a 6.6kW system, which means much bigger bill savings and more energy independence for your home.

3. Extra Solar For Future Living The best part? A 10kW system gives you extra room for the future. Thinking of buying an electric vehicle? Planning to add a home battery? Expecting your energy use to grow as your kids get older? The extra capacity of a 10kW system handles these changes without the need for another expensive upgrade down the road. The Real Benefits A 10kW solar system can often cut your power bills to zero. It may even make extra energy that you can sell back to the grid. In summer, a well-positioned system can create plenty of surplus power, giving you extra income through feed-in tariffs. Put simply, if 6.6kW covers a standard household, 10kW is for those who want extra headroom or are planning for a future where grid reliance is reduced. 6.6kW vs. 10kW Solar System: Key Differences You Should Know Feature 6.6 W Solar System 10kW Solar System Number of Panels Approx. 16-18 Approx. 24-27 Approx. 30-36m2 Approx. 45-55m2 Required Roof Space Avg. Energy Output 24-28 kWh 38-44 kWh Payback Time 3 to 5 Years Average family homes, lower energy users Good, but it may fall short if energy use rises 4 to 6 years Large families, home offices, EV Owners, Small business Excellent, Built for EVs, Batteries & heavier demand Ideal For Future Proofing Let us put these two systems side-by-side to see how they stack up in key areas. The Key Takeaway If you are powering a standard Aussie household, 6.6kW usually does the trick. If you are running a busy family lifestyle, EVs, or a business, 10kW offers a bigger long-term payback. Who Should Upgrade From a 6.6kW to a 10kW Solar System? Not every household needs to supersize its solar setup, but certain situations make upgrading from a 6.6-kilowatt solar system to a 10-kW solar system a smart financial decision. Your Family And Bills Are Growing If your power bills are still rising even with solar, it likely means you are using more energy than your system makes. Families with teenagers, new appliances, or growing air-con needs often find that a 6.6kW system is not enough to meet their needs anymore.

4. You Run a Business From Home or on-site For small businesses, electricity bills can be really expensive. Getting a 10kW system means you can run your computers, machines, and air conditioning during the day using power straight from the sun. This cuts your running costs in a big way. EV Owners or EV Future Buyers An electric vehicle (EV) is basically a battery on wheels. Most EVs need about 15 to 20 kWh for a full charge. A 10kW solar system can easily make that extra power, letting you charge your car with clean, free energy. Planning To Add Batteries Later Many people install solar first and add a battery later. If that is your plan, it makes sense to go for a bigger system now. A small system will not make enough power to fully charge your battery. With a 10kW solar setup, you will have plenty of energy to keep your battery full every day, giving you real energy independence. Important Things To Check Before You Upgrade Before you jump in, there are a few practicalities to consider: Roof Space You need a good amount of clear roof space, around 45-55 square meters. The panels should be on a part of your roof that gets a lot of sunlight. New Inverter Upgrading to a 10kW system will likely require a new, more powerful inverter. This device turns the sun’s energy into electricity for your home. We will also check your electrical system to ensure it can handle the extra power safely. Local Grid Rules Your local energy company has rules about how much solar power you can send back to the grid. For most homes, this is often limited to 5kW. We will check these rules for you to make sure your system is a good fit. Pros And Cons of Upgrading From 6.6kW To 10kW Pros        Bigger bill savings long term. Extra energy independence. Rely less on the grid and fluctuating energy prices. Perfect for EV charging and future battery storage. Adds long-term property/business value. Future-proofed against rising electricity demand. Higher property value.

5. Cons      Higher upfront cost. Needs more roof area. Export limits in some areas may reduce grid payback. May need additional electrical upgrades. Low energy users won't see big extra savings. Is Upgrading From a 6.6 kW To a 10 kW Solar System Worth It? So, we return to our original question. For most average Aussie homes, a 6.6kW solar system is still a great, affordable choice that offers excellent savings. However, if your home has high energy use, or if you plan to get a home battery or an electric vehicle (EV), a 10kW solar system is a much smarter investment. It provides more power for the future and helps you save more in the long run. Bottom line: A 6.6kW is great for today. A 10kW is better for today and tomorrow. Get Expert Advice Before You Decide Every home and business is unique. The best way to know for sure which system is right for you is to get a personalized assessment. At Sun Solar Energy, we have been a leader in the Australian solar industry for years. We can analyse your energy bills, assess your property, and design a system that is perfectly tailored to your needs. We will help you understand if an upgrade is the right choice and design a system that works for you now and in the future. Ready to future-proof your energy? Contact Sun Solar Energy today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us power up your savings. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1.  Will a 10kW solar system run a whole house? Yes, and much more. It can cover a large family home, power-hungry appliances, and still generate surplus for credits or a battery. 2.  How much does a 10kW solar system cost in Australia? Between $8,500 and $13,000, after rebates, depends on panels, inverter, and installer quality. 3.  How many solar panels do I need for a 10kW system? Usually, a 10kW system will need around 25 to 30 panels, occupying around 40 to 50 m² of roof space. What is the average daily output of a 10kW solar system The average daily output of a 10kW solar system is around 38 to 44kWh/day, though it varies by state (higher in QLD/WA, a bit lower in VIC/TAS). 4.  5.  Can I still get rebates for a 10kW system in 2025? Yes, you can still get rebates for a 10kW solar system in 2025. State-specific schemes may also apply depending on location.

6. Source: https://sunsolarenergy.com.au/blogs/upgrading-from-a-6-6kw-to-a-10kw-solar- system-is-it-worth-it/